When to seek care for eye pain

Overview

Eye pain is any discomfort or ache in or around your eye. It can range from a mild scratchy feeling to a sharp, stabbing pain. Eye pain often goes away on its own, but sometimes it signals a problem that needs a doctor's attention.

Yes, eye pain is very common. Most people experience it at some point, often from tired eyes, dry air, or minor irritation.

Eye pain can affect people of all ages. It is more common in contact lens wearers, people who spend many hours looking at screens, and those with certain health conditions like dry eye or allergies.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the eye
• Dull, aching pain around the eye
• Gritty or scratchy sensation, like sand in the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye redness or tearing

Symptoms in children

• Excessive eye rubbing
• Complaining of a 'sore' or 'itchy' eye
• Squinting or closing one eye more than the other
• Avoiding bright light or covering their eyes

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that feels like pressure inside the eye
• Headaches around the eye
• Blurry vision that comes and goes
• Eyes feeling dry or gritty, especially at night

Causes

Main causes

• Dry eye syndrome – not enough tears or poor-quality tears
• Eye strain from too much screen time or reading without breaks
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye) – infection or allergy causing redness and irritation
• Corneal abrasion – a scratch on the clear front part of the eye
• Foreign body – a tiny object like dust or an eyelash stuck on the eye surface
• Blepharitis – inflammation of the eyelid edges
• Sinusitis – pressure from sinus infection can cause pain behind the eyes
• Migraine headache – some migraines include eye pain and light sensitivity
• Glaucoma – increased pressure inside the eye (can be painless or painful)

Risk factors

• Wearing contact lenses, especially if you wear them too long or don't clean them properly
• Spending long hours looking at a computer, tablet, or phone
• Living or working in a dry, dusty, or smoky environment
• Having allergies or asthma
• Having an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome
• Being over 60 years old (higher risk for dry eye and glaucoma)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden severe eye pain, especially if it's accompanied by vision changes, headache, or nausea.
• You have an eye injury, such as a scratch or a blow to the eye.
• You see flashes of light, floaters (dark spots), or a curtain-like shadow in your vision.
• Your eye pain is causing you to avoid bright light (photophobia).

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have mild or occasional eye pain that comes and goes.
• Your eyes feel tired, dry, or gritty after reading or screen use.
• You notice redness or irritation that isn't getting better after a few days of rest.
• You have pain and a small bump on your eyelid (stye) that doesn't heal.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and any recent activities or injuries. They will check your vision and examine your eye with a special light called a slit lamp.

Tests that may be done

• Visual acuity test – reading letters on a chart to check how clearly you see
• Slit lamp exam – a microscope with a bright light that lets the doctor see the front parts of your eye
• Tonometry – puff of air or gentle touch to measure eye pressure
• Fluorescein stain – a yellow dye placed in your eye to find scratches or foreign objects
• Eye movement test – checking how your eyes follow a moving object

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is usually quick and painless. You may have drops that make your eyes feel slightly numb or blurry for a short time. The doctor will tell you what they found and recommend the next steps, which might include simple home care or a visit to an eye specialist.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of your eye pain. Many cases get better with simple home care, while others need medicine or a procedure. Your doctor will choose the best approach for your situation.

Self-care at home

• Rest your eyes – take breaks from screens and close your eyes for a few minutes.
• Use a warm compress – a clean cloth soaked in warm water held over closed eyes can soothe pain from a stye or dry eye.
• Practice good eye hygiene – gently clean your eyelids if you have blepharitis.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially if you have an infection or foreign body.
• If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break and only use fresh solution.

Medical treatments

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include antibiotic or antiviral eye drops for infection, anti-inflammatory drops for swelling or allergy, lubricating drops for dry eye, or oral medicines for conditions like migraine or sinusitis. If you have glaucoma, your doctor may prescribe drops to lower eye pressure. Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for eye pain. It may be considered for severe glaucoma that doesn't respond to drops, a scratched cornea that doesn't heal, or removal of a deeply embedded foreign object. Your doctor will explain if surgery is recommended for your specific condition.

Living with this condition

If you have ongoing eye pain, you might need to adjust your daily habits. Give your eyes regular breaks during screen time, keep your home air moist with a humidifier, and wear sunglasses outdoors if light bothers you.

Lifestyle tips

• Take frequent screen breaks – follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Blink often when using a screen to keep your eyes moist.
• Use proper lighting – avoid harsh overhead lights or glare from windows.
• Always remove contact lenses before sleeping and follow the cleaning routine your eye doctor recommended.
• Wear protective eyewear when doing tasks that could send small particles into your eyes (like gardening, woodworking, or using chemicals).

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health. Good choices include leafy greens, carrots, fish, nuts, and citrus fruits. Staying hydrated helps prevent dry eyes. Regular exercise is fine, but avoid activities that could risk eye injury (like contact sports) without proper eye protection.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Constant eye pain can be frustrating and worrying. It may affect your mood, sleep, or ability to focus. If you feel anxious or down because of your eye pain, talk to your doctor. They can offer support or refer you to a counselor.

Prevention

Not all eye pain can be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Protect your eyes from injury with safety glasses. Avoid eye strain by taking breaks. Keep your eyes clean, especially if you wear contact lenses. Treat allergies and dry eye early.

Screening programmes

Regular eye exams are important, especially as you get older. An eye check every one to two years can catch problems like dry eye or high eye pressure early, before they cause pain or vision loss.

Complications

If left untreated

• Prolonged vision problems, like blurry or double vision
• Spread of infection to deeper parts of the eye or into the bloodstream (rare but serious)
• Chronic eye pain that doesn't go away on its own
• Permanent vision loss from conditions like untreated glaucoma or corneal scarring

Long-term outlook

For most people, eye pain gets better with simple steps or treatment. Even serious causes like glaucoma can be managed with early care. The key is to see a doctor if pain is severe, sudden, or lasting. With proper attention, the outlook is generally very good.

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